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2003 SCI Implementation Grant
Awarded to: Maine Governor's Office of Health Policy and Finance
Maine was awarded an SCI grant to assist the implementation of the Dirigo Health Reform Act. The Dirigo Health Reform Act is a statewide health system reform that addresses costs, quality, and access with the goal of establishing universal coverage within six years. The plan is designed to ensure sustainable long-term reform and recognizes comprehensive approaches are required. Dirigo Health Reform engages stakeholders and the state to rationalize the health care system, ensure appropriate incentives, and build a stronger health care system that serves all Mainers. The program begins as a voluntary effort, recognizing that additional actions may well be required as the program is implemented.
Maine used SCI grant funds to help design the DirigoChoice benefit packages, sliding scale discount program, and the "savings offset payment."
Grant Highlights:
- Maine conducted a statewide focus group called "Tough Choices in Health Care" that fostered a dialogue and engaged citizens to discuss their priorities for health system reform.
- DirigoChoice began enrollment on January 1, 2005.
- Enrollment for the plan was 5,000 on April 1, 2005 and state officials plan to enroll 31,000 members in the first year.
IN-DEPTH: Maine Resources
Bowe, T. "DirigoChoice Member Survey: A Snapshot of the Program's Early Adopters," University of Southern Maine, August 2005.
Rosenthal, J. and C. Pernice. "Dirigo Health Reform Act: Addressing Health Care Costs, Quality, and Access in Maine," National Academy for State Health Policy, June 2004.
Rosenthal, J. and C. Pernice. "Designing Maine's DirigoChoice Benefit Plan," National Academy for State Health Policy, December 2004.
State Coverage Initiatives, Profile in Coverage: Maine Dirigo, May 2005.
Tough Choices In Health Care, report from May 21, 2005 meeting.
Tough Choices In Health Care, meeting discussion guide. |
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